Path of Exile 2 Dev Announces More Emergency Changes as Recent Steam User Reviews Hit 'Mostly Negative'

Path of Exile 2 developer Grinding Gear Games (GGG) has responded to the community's strong reaction to the recent Dawn of the Hunt update by implementing further emergency changes. The update, which initially led to a drop in Steam user reviews to 'mostly negative,' introduced the new Huntress class, five new ascension classes (Ritualist, Amazon, Smith of Kitava, Tactician, and Lich), and a host of new items and crafting options. However, the community criticized the update for significantly slowing down the game's pace, resulting in what many players described as a "total slog."

The backlash was evident in the most helpful Steam review of the last 30 days, which highlighted issues such as overly long boss fights, ineffective skills, and overall game instability. Other reviews echoed these sentiments, with some players feeling the game's design was forcing them into specific playstyles and reducing the freedom that is a hallmark of action RPGs.

In an effort to address these concerns, GGG has released a new patch, version 0.2.0e, set to launch on April 11. The patch notes detail extensive changes aimed at improving gameplay:

Monster Speed Changes:

• Removed interrupt events for human monsters like Cultists and Tribal Humans, allowing players more time to engage.
• Adjusted the Haste Aura modifier to not apply to already fast monsters.
• Modified behavior of various monsters in Acts 1, 2, and 3 to reduce their speed and aggression, and adjusted their numbers in specific areas.

Boss Changes:

• Reduced the complexity of Viper Napuatzi's Chaos Rains and improved visual clarity.
• Made several adjustments to Uxmal's fight mechanics to make it less frustrating.
• Enhanced the visibility of Xyclucian's effects by removing ground foliage from his arena.

Player Minion Changes:

• Implemented a new revive timer system for minions to prevent long delays in reviving multiple minions.
• Improved functionality for Bind Spectre and Tame Beast gems.

Other Player Balance:

• Expanded the use of Rally support to all melee attacks.
• Fixed issues with certain skills and effects.

Crafting Changes:

• Added new mods to runes for caster weapons and introduced a new system for obtaining elemental runes.

Performance Improvements:

• Optimized ground foliage to enhance game performance.

Looking ahead, GGG has planned additional changes post-weekend, including enhancements to the charm system, introduction of Stash Tab Affinities for various item categories, and the addition of Atlas Bookmarks to improve navigation.

The question remains whether these adjustments will be sufficient to restore player satisfaction and improve the game's reception. Despite the initial success and high player turnout at launch, these issues have not only affected Path of Exile 2 but also impacted the development of Path of Exile 1, which continues to boast a dedicated player base.